Arrow Lake Leaks: No Hyper-Threading, Low Speeds

There has been considerable discussion regarding Intel’s next-generation Core Ultra 200 series Arrow Lake processors not supporting hyper-threading. Based on data from early samples that have emerged, it appears that these processors indeed lack hyper-threading. This is also the case for the Lunar Lake processors that employ Lion Cove P-Cores and Skymont E-Cores, which are confirmed to be without hyper-threading.

Recently, early samples of two Arrow Lake desktop processors were discovered using Intel’s internal desktop testing platform. These samples also lack hyper-threading: one is configured with 8P+16E cores at a frequency of only 3.0GHz, while the other features 8P+12E cores at just 2.3GHz. The former aligns with the specifications of a 14th generation Core i9, and the latter with a Core i7. Given their frequencies, these are very early samples and their performance is somewhat limited.

Arrow Lake-S 8P+16E

The current samples suggest that Arrow Lake-S may indeed dispense with hyper-threading. Since the 12th generation Core Alder Lake, Intel’s processors have prioritized P-Cores over E-Cores, with hyper-threading on P-Cores activated only after all E-Cores are engaged. If the new architecture provides a substantial improvement, the elimination of hyper-threading should not have a significant impact.

Arrow Lake-S 8P+12E

It is important to note that Lion Cove does support hyper-threading, which is utilized in Xeon processors. Its absence in consumer products likely reflects Intel’s judgment that it is unnecessary. Whether the final products will feature hyper-threading remains uncertain, as enabling it is essentially a matter of flipping a switch unless it is physically disabled.

Arrow Lake-S will utilize the new LGA 1851 socket and will require new motherboards. Regarding LP E-Cores, Intel does not seem to plan on enabling this feature in desktop processors, where energy-saving technology is less critical. However, the inclusion of an NPU is certain, as AI technology represents a key trend for the future. AMD has already begun offering NPUs in some desktop processors, and in this area, Intel is somewhat behind.